What exactly is mochi skin?
Mochi skin resembles the Japanese rice cake snack in the best way: According to Eugene He (skin care expert and founder of Ceramiracle), it's all about skin that is pillowy, supple, and milky with a dewy and translucent look.
"Mochi skin is seen as plump, juicy and hydrated," adds celebrity makeup artist Lisa Aharon. And "hydrated" is the clue that this isn't just a makeup trend. It's centered on good skin care — but makeup can lend a helping hand.
"Mochi skin can be achieved with just skin care alone but it does require a really healthy and naturally glowing complexion to begin with," says He. "Otherwise, it can be achieved with the help of a good primer and foundation."
Image via Imaxtree
What ingredients should you look for?
Want to go the extra mile? Cynthia Franco, a celebrity aesthetician based in Beverly Hills, says that moisture-retaining, rice-based skin care products can be used in mochi regimen to achieve the lucid texture and suppleness.
In addition to working with the mochi theme, rice is a great skin care ingredient because it has natural enzymes that strengthen and brighten skin. (We've always been fans of the SkinFood Rice Mask Wash Off, $10.)
How does it compare to other skin care trends?
There are a lot of trendy skin looks out there, so how is mochi skin different? He says that mochi skin demands healthy, well-prepped skin for best results.
In comparison, glass skin is easily achieved on all skin types with clear glossy products such as a juicy liquid highlighter or glowing serum.
Franco elaborates that glass skin has a translucent, shiny finish like, yes, glass and can be achieved with microdermabrasion and acid exfoliators.
"Mochi skin does not disrupt the acid mantle of the skin," explains Franco. "[It's about] gentle exfoliation with lots of humectant infusions."
Image via Imaxtree
How to Get Mochi Skin
The good news is, mochi skin is actually pretty simple to achieve. It's certainly a lot easier than making traditional mochi (the process of which includes an actual mallet and a whole lot of elbow grease).
In fact, your current skin care routine might already lend itself to a mochi skin finish. "Whenever I hear about new trends in skin care — especially ones named after foods — I roll my eyes and think 'WHAT NOW,'" says Aharon. "But, when I did my research on mochi skin, I was happy to find out that it's something that I've had in practice for years now."
Aharon says that mochi skin is a quick skin care regimen that starts with a double cleanse, followed by an essence and serum, which usually contain vitamin C, skin-plumping ceramides and other water-trapping ingredients (we like the DHC Super Collagen Supreme, $28). Franco suggests opting for gentle enzymatic exfoliation over acid exfoliation.
A lightweight moisturizer containing peptides and/or ceramides to keep skin plump and a quality sunscreen finish off a typical look. "Always finish with a SPF [because] sun damage can ruin your mochi skin goals," says Franco.
Mochi skin must-haves
Aharon suggests starting with a cleansing oil or balm, like the Drunk Elephant Slaai Makeup-Melting Butter Cleanser, $34, in tandem with the newly launched Drunk Elephant E-Rase Milki Micellar Water, $14, and skin will be halfway to a mochi finish. For sunscreens, try the Coola Classic Face Organic Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50, $32, or Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40, $34.
To maintain a bouncy, blemish-free texture Aharon suggests using a hydrating mask, such as the Alder New York Smoothing Face Mask, $46, a couple times per week and remembering to exfoliate.
Considering treatments? Franco says that microneedling, microcurrent and oxygen facials will help expedite mochi skin results.
